Grand Jury Functions
The U.S. Constitution and the California Constitution call for grand juries. California, during the early years of statehood, established grand juries.
FUNCTIONS
The Tuolumne County Grand Jury is an investigatory body created for the protection of people and the enforcement of the law. Three predominant functions of the Tuolumne County Grand Jury include:
A. Civil Government Oversight.
The grand jury may examine all aspects of county government, city government and special districts to ensure the best interests of Tuolumne County citizens are being served. The grand jury reviews and evaluates procedures, methods and systems used by county government to determine whether more efficient and economical programs may be employed. The grand jury may:
- Inspect and audit books, records and financial expenditures to ensure that public funds are properly accounted for and legally spent;
- Inspect financial records of districts in Tuolumne County;
- Inquire into the conditions of jails and detention centers;
- Inquire into any charges of willful misconduct in office by public officials or employees.
Most oversight findings by the grand jury are published in an annual Grand Jury Report describing problems encountered and making recommendations for solutions.
B. Citizen Complaints.
As part of the civil function, the Tuolumne County Grand Jury receives letters from citizens alleging mistreatment by officials, suspicions of misconduct or governmental inefficiencies. Complaints received are acknowledged and investigated for their validity. Such complaints are kept confidential. If the situation warrants, and corrective action is under the jurisdiction of the grand jury, appropriate action is taken.
C. Criminal Investigations.
Occasionally and under certain circumstances, a special Criminal Grand Jury may be selected to hold hearings to determine whether evidence presented by the district attorney is of sufficient nature to warrant a person to stand trial in court.
Reports
The Tuolumne County Grand Jury issues its final report each year in late June. The report is available to all county residents, and is delivered to the news media and to heads of affected government agencies. Affected agencies are required to respond to the report findings and recommendations within 60 to 90 days. The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors must comment on the jury’s recommendations within 90 days. The responses of the affected agencies are also available to the public. Current and recent Grand Jury reports and responses are available on Tuolumne County's website.
Committees
The Tuolumne County Grand Jurors are citizens from throughout the county. In order to accomplish the county oversight functions, committees are normally established to address:
- Audit county finance and administration
- County services and special districts
- Joint powers
- Health, education and welfare
- Law, justice and public safety
- Complaint review
Contact Information
Tuolumne County Grand Jury
41 West Yaney Street
Sonora
California 95370
(209) 533-5568
Fax (209) 533-6572
E-mail: tcgjforeman@mlode.com
